Hudson River Helicopter Crash: NTSB Gives New Details At NJ Briefing

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — After six people were killed in a tourist helicopter crash in the Hudson River in Jersey City Thursday, the National Transportation Safety Board and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop gave updates at a press conference Friday.

At the briefing, held at City Hall in Jersey City, Fulop said he had heard three theories about the cause of the crash, which killed three adults and three children.

"There are three working theories," Fulop said. "There was the birds discussion, the drone discussion, and mechanical failure discussions."

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said it was too soon to speculate about the cause of the crash.

"I am not going to speculate on investigative information," she said. "We are very factual and we will provide that in due course."

She said the agency is still seeking parts of the helicopter that plunged into the Hudson River around 3:15 p.m., including its main rotor and tail rotor.

She said federal officials are conducting a "wreckage exam" of the portions of the helicopter that have been brought indoors. She said New York Police Department divers are still looking for wreckage in the river, including the rotors, main transmission, and roof structure.

She stressed that anyone who had video of photos of the crash, or information, should contact the agency.

In response to a question about reports of a "large flock of birds," she said that this or any other observation should be forwarded to the agency.

"If something struck you as different or maybe you paused or it crossed your mind that maybe it's something you would like to share with our investigators, there's no downside in sharing that information," she said.

In response to a question, she said the agency was exempt from the recent firings of federal officials.

Child's Birthday Friday

Reports said a family of five tourists from Spain were visiting the city: Siemens executive Agustín Escobar, along with his wife and children.

The family was in the country for a business trip, reports said.

Fulop said that one of the children who died in the crash was to celebrate a birthday on Friday.

The NTSB encouraged witnesses to email video, photos, or observations to Witness@ntsb.gov.

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